MANASSAS, Va. – The City of Manassas is moving ahead with the next phase of its $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center, and residents are invited to help shape what comes next.
Community Conversations Set for June
The city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) will host two Community Conversations on Tuesday, June 3, and Tuesday, June 10, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at the Manassas Community Center, 8750 Sudley Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and refreshments will be available.
City officials will present details about the property at 9018 Mathis Avenue and ask residents for their ideas on its future. Both meetings will cover the same information, giving people the flexibility to attend the date that works best for them.
Why This Property Matters
In July 2024, the city completed its $16 million purchase of the 14-acre shopping center from Four Taylor’s LLC. The property includes 21 commercial tenants, such as Advance Auto Parts and Pitkins Hardware.
City officials say the purchase is part of a long-term plan to revitalize the Mathis Avenue corridor and make it a more walkable, welcoming place to live and do business. A commercial real estate firm hired by the EDA manages the property, with revenues and expenses tracked separately as operations stabilize.
City leaders say these meetings are the first step in a larger planning process. The feedback gathered will help guide future decisions about how the property could be redeveloped to meet community needs.
“We are committed to working with our residents, business owners, and community partners to shape a shared vision for this important property,” the city said in a statement announcing the meetings.
Mixed Public Opinion
Public reaction to the city’s purchase has been mixed. According to a June 2024 Potomac Local News survey, 31% of respondents supported the move, citing opportunities for strategic redevelopment and long-term economic benefits. Others raised concerns about the cost and the city’s role as a commercial landlord.
City officials say they hope the upcoming meetings will help address those concerns and keep the process transparent as planning continues.
The Manassas Economic Development Authority (EDA) will hold a special meeting on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of City Hall. The meeting, a joint work session with the Manassas City Council, will focus on the interim operations and potential uses of the Manassas Shopping Center before its scheduled demolition.
The meeting is open to the public.
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Manassas is set to purchase the Manassas Shopping Center on Mathis Avenue for $16 million to bolster local economic development. The transaction, anticipated to close in July or August 2024, was detailed during a recent joint meeting with the economic development authority on Monday, May 20, 2024, to discuss the terms of the sale.
The city aims to buy the 14-acre shopping center, home to 21 commercial tenants, including Advance Auto Parts and Pitkins Hardware stores. The city agreed to pay owners Four Taylor's LLC $16 million for the property and will become the landlord of the businesses.
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On Monday, May 20, 2024, the Manassas City Council will hold a joint meeting with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to discuss the pending purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center. The City and the EDA are entering into a cooperation agreement for the acquisition and future redevelopment of the property
Tonight's meeting will focus on finalizing the details of this cooperation agreement, ensuring both the city and EDA are aligned on the purchase and future plans for the Manassas Shopping Center. Overall, Mathis Avenue, on which the shopping center sits, has long been slated for redevelopment.
